Fenofibric acid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 3, 2022.

Summary

More frequently reported side effects include: thrombophlebitis, abnormal hepatic function tests, and increased serum alanine aminotransferase. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to fenofibric acid: oral capsule delayed release, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Fenofibric acid

Along with its needed effects, fenofibric acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fenofibric acid:

More common

Body aches or pain
chills
cough
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
fever
headache
loss of voice
sore throat
unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
chest tightness
cough producing mucus
diarrhea
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with moving
dizziness
frequent urge to urinate
general feeling of discomfort or illness
joint pain
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
muscle aches, cramps, spasms, or stiffness
muscle or bone pain
nausea
nervousness
pain in the arms or legs
pounding in the ears
shivering
slow or fast heartbeat
sweating
swollen joints
trouble sleeping
vomiting

Incidence not known

Agitation
bloating
coma
confusion
constipation
darkened urine
decreased urine output
indigestion
irritability
lethargy
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
seizures
stupor
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Fenofibric acid

Some side effects of fenofibric acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Runny or stuffy nose
sneezing

Less common

Acid or sour stomach
belching
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
heartburn
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to fenofibric acid: oral delayed release capsule, oral tablet.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were abnormal liver function tests, AST increased, ALT increased, creatine phosphokinase increased, and rhinitis.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, myalgia, pain in extremity

Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis, muscle spasm^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia

Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Liver function tests abnormal, ALT increased, AST increased

Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, increased total bilirubin, drug-induced liver injury^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory disorder, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection

Postmarketing reports: Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Creatine phosphokinase increased, pain

Postmarketing reports: Asthenia^[Ref]

Hematologic

Postmarketing reports: Anemia, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased, WBC decreased^[Ref]

Renal

Postmarketing reports: Acute renal failure, renal failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

Postmarketing reports: High density lipoprotein cholesterol levels severely depressed^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Urticaria, rash

Postmarketing reports: Photosensitivity reactions, severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCAR), including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

Photosensitivity reactions have been reported days to months after initiation; in some cases, patients had reported a prior photosensitivity reaction to ketoprofen.